CIOs navigate everyday challenges related to grid implementation, cybersecurity, and data integrity. In addition to the natural leadership pressures of any executive position, CIOs lead the charge for building visionary plans to embrace emerging technology, oversee policy development, and direct the implementation of information systems and processes. This biannual forum provides a unique opportunity for utility CIOs to come together in an exclusive peer-to-peer environment to network and share best practices.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Michelle Evans, Director, Information Systems, FortisBC
- Program Location
- Virtual Event
- No travel required. All agenda times are in Pacific time.Instructions to access the virtual event will be provided to the attendee before the program.
- Who Should Attend
Participation in the Chief Information Officer executive forum is restricted to senior leaders responsible for management of their utility’s technology and information systems. In most instances, the appropriate attendee serves as the Chief Information Officer or holds an equal position within their utility. The small size of this program provides a unique environment for collaborative thinking, open discourse and building long-term relationships.
- Registration Options
Member: $199 USD
Registration includes virtual access to all agenda items and digital program materials.
- General Cancellation Policy
- To best serve WEI members and program participants during the COVID-19 pandemic, WEI will be waiving its standard cancellation policy for this virtual program. Registrants can receive a full refund should they need to cancel their registration up to the day before the program begins.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
- For more information contact Amy Nye, Program Manager at (971) 303-2119.
Agenda
All session times are listed in Pacific time.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual Help Desk + Technology Check
The room will open early with optional time for participants to get familiar with the virtual platform, test their audio and webcam, or ask questions about the agenda before we begin.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome + Introductions
Facilitator(s): Michelle Evans, Director, Information Systems, FortisBC
The Program Chair will welcome the group and kickoff roundtable introductions. Come prepared to share a recent success story and the biggest challenge you and your team are facing right now.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Renewable Energy + Green Technologies
Speaker(s): Jason Wolfe, Director, Energy Solutions, FortisBC, Bea Bains, Manager, Energy Products & Services, FortisBC
This presentation will share key themes on FortisBC’s Renewable Energy path. We believe that a diversified pathway, which is a combination of electricity and diverse sources of renewable energy, such as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG or biomethane), hydrogen, synthetic gas and lignin (from wood waste), is essential to helping us meet the energy needs of our customers while offering various energy solutions to help reduce their GHG emissions. We will share the path we are on to reaching our short- and long-term climate action strategies helping our customers reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the critical role of renewable and low-carbon gases.
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
IT Workforce Management + Employee Value Proposition
Facilitator(s): Michelle Evans, Director, Information Systems, FortisBC
This time is designated for a focused roundtable discussion on workforce management and employee value proposition (EVP) specific to IT. Come prepared to engage and share examples of what your organization is doing in these areas.
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Break
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Open Roundtable Discussion
Facilitator(s): Michelle Evans, Director, Information Systems, FortisBC
We'll close out the day with an open roundtable discussion on top-of-mind issues. Topics will be guided based on the current challenges shared during introductions and refined by live polling.
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Wrap Up + Future Planning
Share your thoughts on the forum as we set our sights on the Fall 2022 meeting scheduled for September 28 + 29, 2022 in La Jolla, California.